Fiji's new military commander says his intention is to stay out of politics, and concentrate on upholding the country's new constitution.
Brigadier-General Mosese Tikoitoga has been promoted to head the Republic of Fiji Military Forces to replace Commodore Frank Bainimarama, who is stepping down to contest the elections.
After Wednesday's formal handover ceremony in Suva, Brigadier Tikoitoga said the RFMF is strongly committed in its role of ensuring at all times the security, defence and well-being of Fiji, as documented in the constitution.
"The mere fact that the Prime Minister has given away the portfolio of the RFMF... because he has reached that stage where he believes that the RFMF is to be independent from government. But it is the military's responsibility to support the government of the day, and at the moment the government is the Bainmarama government and we'll support it. And when elections come, we'll support the democratically elected government that comes into power."
Brigadier-General Mosese Tikoitoga.